Prostate Cancer

What is prostate cancer?

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is a small, walnut-sized gland weighing about an ounce. The prostate is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum and surrounds the urethra. The main function of the prostate is to produce ejaculatory fluid. Prostate cancer is different from most cancers in that a large percentage of men may have a silent form of the cancer it does not cause symptoms or progress beyond the prostate gland. Due to its high incidence, prostate cancer is a significant health-care problem in the United States and is the most common cancer among men.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

In its early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed and treated?

Currently, digital rectal examination (DRE) and PSA tests (measurements of the level of PSA a substance produced only by the prostate in the bloodstream) are used for prostate cancer detection.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

At Urology Austin, we offer the full complement of options to patients. Our major goal is to fully inform patients of their options, including external beam radiation, brachytherapy, open radical prostatectomy, and even the laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Considerations
For prostate cancer surgery, several issues should be taken into consideration by both patients and physicians:

Precise cancer removal

Preservation of urinary control

Return of potency

Minimization of post-operative pain

Minimization of blood loss

Quick return to normal activity

Using the da Vinci® Surgical System, we offer a robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy which incorporates the latest advancements in robotics and computer technology. This robotic system provides a 3-D view, X10 optical magnification, and scaled robotic hand movements.

Benefits of Robotic Surgery:

The potential benefits of the robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy using the da Vinci® Surgical System included :

Shorter hospital stay

Less pain

Less blood loss

Smaller incisions

Faster recovery

Ultimately, the right treatment for your prostate cancer should be an individualized decision between you and your urologist. At Urology Austin, we pride ourselves on thoroughly educating our patients, so we can help them make an appropriate decision based on their personal preferences, cancer stage, and overall medical health.